Manchester City Winger Eager To Seal A Move To Germany: Should Guardiola Sanction His Departure?

Manchester City's midfielder Leroy Sane controls the ball during a friendly football match between English Premier League club Manchester City and Japan League Yokohama F. Marinos at the Yokohama Stadium, in Yokohama on July 27, 2019. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

According to a recent print edition of SportBild (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Manchester City winger Leroy Sane is eager to seal a move to Bayern Munich this summer after being convinced by the German club’s sporting project. However, the same source has mentioned that the Bavarian giants are yet to begin negotiations directly with the Citizens over a potential move for the German international during the summer transfer period. At the same time, it is believed that Hans-Dieter Flick’s team are in a ‘strong position’ and are weighing up an opening bid of €40m for Sane ahead of the new campaign (via Sport Witness).

Sane’s Injury-Prone Spell At The Etihad Stadium

Since making a move from Schalke 04 in the summer of 2016, the Essen-born missed a few matches in his debut season due to a torn ligament. However, he came back and enjoyed the best year of his playing career last season when he registered 16 goals and 18 assists in 47 matches for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions.

Sane suffered another major setback at the start of this campaign when he sustained a cruciate ligament rupture after coming on as a substitute in the Community Shield win over Liverpool. He is yet to make a competitive appearance for Man City this season, so there are some concerns over whether he will be able to perform at a high level once the Premier League season resumes following the recent break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The talented winger has got a decent record at the international stage and could play a crucial role for the German national side in next year’s UEFA European Championship finals. He has scored five goals in 21 appearances for his country thus far. Sane has also won the Premier League twice and the FA Cup once during his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

English Premier League Manchester City player Leroy Sane takes part in a team training session in Hong Kong on July 23, 2019, a day before their match against local team Kitchee. (ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images)

What Does The German International Bring To The Table?

Sane is one of the quickest players in Europe and can use his pace to cause all sorts of problems for the opposition out on the wide areas. He excels at dribbling with the ball using his agility and composure to get to the by-line and has built a reputation for creating some decent goal-scoring openings in the final third. The German speedster has the vision to pick out a decisive pass in and around the opposition penalty area and has also transformed himself into a decent finisher in front of goal.

Should Man City Sanction Sane’s Departure This Summer?

Losing a player of Sane’s skill set and potential will undeniably be a big blow for the Citizens and their long-term ambitions as a football club. However, Man City are facing the possibility of being banned from all UEFA competitions for two years which won’t help their chances of retaining their top talents. Hence, it is no surprise that Sane is keen on leaving Guardiola’s team so that he can seal a move back to his homeland.

Injuries have taken a toll on his body over the past few years, so maybe a return to the Bundesliga could help the German wing wizard rediscover his old form in the upcoming campaign. As far as Man City are concerned, Guardiola should try everything in his power to convince Sane to stay beyond this summer as it will be difficult to replace a player of his quality and attacking prowess.

At the same time, if Sane is determined to join Bayern Munich, then the Mancunian giants should not stand in his way and would be better of recouping as much money as they can get for him during the summer transfer window. Guardiola would still have three world-class wingers at his disposal in the form of Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez. Hence, the Spanish head coach will have a strong squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season even if Sane parts ways with the club at the end of this campaign.

A 26-year-old sports writer and an aspiring football coach who has road-tripped across the Scottish Highlands, but has never been to Wales. Sucker for cliff-hangers and catchy riffs. Known to be a grunger and not to be a stranger.

A 26-year-old sports writer and an aspiring football coach who has road-tripped across the Scottish Highlands, but has never been to Wales. Sucker for cliff-hangers and catchy riffs. Known to be a grunger and not to be a stranger.

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